Federer won’t short-change Bogata fans

The ill-fated Roger Federer-Alexander Zverev exhibition in Bogotà last week that turned into a busted flush due to a curfew in the capital will hopefully not turn out a loss for 14,000 dedicated fans.

Federer’s Team8 management has promised that the Colombian faithful who had to settle for an on-court hello instead of a hit-out between with Swiss tennis icon and his German opponent due to a curfew blamed on civil unrest, will get another bite of the cherry.

Zurich’s Tages-Anzeiger reported that ticketholders will either be given a full refund or a potential exhibition date next March around the time of the (relatively) nearby Miami Masters.

“Roger will compensate the fans in Bogotà,” Team8’s Tony Godsick told the newspaper.

“Our goal is that the match be made up for next year. If this is not possible, Roger will return his fee and ensure that the fans get the money back for their tickets.

“The situation was very unfortunate, but there was no choice but to cancel the show, safety comes before the sport.”

Federer’s appearance consisted of an apology to disappointed fans. Local media had erroneously reported that there would be no refunds,

Federer tweeted at the time: “I am heartbroken for the people of Bogotà. Due to the curfew tonight, unfortunately we could not put on the match I have waited so long for…”

Local media quoted organisers of the unprecedented event: “We are very sad and in a very difficult financial situation.

“Expenditure remained the same, but many revenues were lost. Some sponsors have supported us, but by no means all of them

“The fact that the match could not take place falls under the category of ‘higher power.’”

Godsick, who founded Team8 with Federer and serves as his manager/partner added: ‘

“The tennis fans in Colombia are very important to Federer. This beautiful story must not end with this cancellation, that’s clear.

“The goal is to be able to present a replacement date in mid-December, for which the tickets already purchased are valid.

“It would be ideal would (could be) when Roger is already in the area anyway. For example, around the tournament in Miami at the end of March 2020.”